By james art 
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you’ve visited the Smiths near Aliante and 215 recently, chances are you’ve run into Robert Margeson.
He is the newest licensed street vendor in the valley.
Margeson received his license from the city of North Las Vegas in October and now serves hot dogs near the store’s entrance.
“It’s great, you know, to know that I’m doing things the right way,” Margeson said. “You drive around and you see street vendors everywhere, so I know people have to make a living, but I do it the right way.”
Margeson told Channel 13 another vendor inspired him to open his own stand.
He spent approximately $7,000 to get all the necessary permits and bring his cart up to health district standards.
“For North Las Vegas, obviously you have to have a health card, a health inspection on your cart, you have to have a propane inspection and you have to get zoning, and the cart has to be approved and apply for your license. The process isn’t really that difficult, but it can be a little long,” Margeson said.
The license fee in North Las Vegas is $150 plus a $30 processing fee. State business license required. Street vendors will also need to obtain a permit from the Southern Nevada Health District. In total, the fees total approximately $1,200.
The price does not include possible sanitation improvements that the Southern Nevada Health District requires for street carts.
- City of North Las Vegas Business License: $150, plus a $30 processing fee
- State Business License: $200 annual fee
- SNHD permit: One-time fee of $500, annual fee of $376
According to the city of North Las Vegas, Margeson is the only licensed vendor. North Las Vegas has not issued any citations, but is conducting complaint-based field investigations with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the North Las Vegas Police Department. The city also provides vendors with information on how to obtain a North Las Vegas Sidewalk Vendor Business License.
All four major valley municipalities currently have their own rules for street vendors, with Clark County being the first to approve its ordinance in April.
Although the county has been accepting applications for about seven months, only four sidewalk vending licenses have been issued.
We asked the county how many citations it has issued now, but they did not respond. However, back in May we were told that 38 written warnings had been issued.
Meanwhile, the city of Las Vegas and Henderson said they did not issue any licenses or citations.
“Unlicensed vendors, they do what they have to do, I guess. I guess they don’t have a health card, you know, they deal with food, so it’s disappointing to see them here,” Margeson said.
“I don’t make enough to pay for all the necessary licenses,” said Vertin Gonzalez, a full-time salesman in North Las Vegas.
Channel 13 first introduced you to Gonsales in July. He told us that many suppliers do not seek a license because it is too expensive.
“I’m barely making it. I still have bills, rent, fresh produce, and I also have my family,” Gonzalez said.
Back in July, Make The Road Nevada launched a fundraising campaign to help stranded vendors pay all the hefty fees.
“We are calling on the community to support this campaign as it is an investment in the strength and diversity of our neighbourhoods. Together, we can help these vendors overcome bureaucratic hurdles and thrive in business, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Nevada street life,” Make The Road Nevada said.
In the meantime, Margeson hopes to become a full-time vendor and set up a stand in all four major valley municipalities.
“The freedom to work the hours you want, take time off when you want.